Freeze chaos still affecting hospitals

THERE have been so many accidents on the ice that people with broken bones are being forced to wait up to a month for operations. Currently five people with broken bones are waiting at home for treatment at Salford Royal Hospital.

THERE have been so many accidents on the ice that people with broken bones are being forced to wait up to a month for operations.

Currently five people with broken bones are waiting at home for treatment at Salford Royal Hospital.

One has been waiting for treatment since December 15 another has been waiting since Tuesday.

Hospital bosses say their orthopaedic department has been inundated by people who have fallen on the ice and despite setting up extra theatre sessions they are struggling to treat everyone.

Last month the hospital treated 188 emergency orthopaedic patients compared to 139 in December 2008. Last night a spokeswoman said they aimed to treat the five patients waiting at home within the next week.

Dr Henry Maxwell, clinical director of orthopaedics at Salford Royal denied the delays were linked to targets saying all decisions were made for clinical reasons.

He said: “When there is increased pressure on services, we may make a decision to prioritise surgery for those patients who are requiring urgent and emergency care.

“Patient safety is paramount and those patients who are not admitted to hospital and are waiting at home are very important to us; they have been carefully assessed by a clinical expert, have a treatment plan in place and we regularly review their case.

“NHS Hospitals have had to deal with high levels of demand and services are returning to normal – we are asking the public for their continued support during this time.”